2011-2013 Volvo S80 Recalled For Faulty Transmission

Volvo has issued a recall on its aging sedan flagship, the S80, due to a potential fault with the car’s automatic transmission.

The recall is for Volvo S80 sedans from the 2011 to 2013 model years, of which there are some 1,469 examples affected.

According to Volvo a software error may prevent the automatic transmission from downshifting, such as shifting from fifth to fourth gear when on the highway and the accelerator is depressed.

This may result in decreased engine revs, which in turn may lead to the engine stalling. Should this happen, there is the potential for a crash.

Volvo recommends owners affected by the recall take their cars to their nearest Volvo dealership, which will upgrade the software of the transmission’s electronic control module free of charge. For further information you can contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at 1-888-327-4236 (reference recall campaign number 12V317000) or Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.

The current generation of the Volvo S80 has been in production since 2006 so there’s still plenty of life in the car, though many will be sure to quip that its styling is starting to show its age against the much more contemporary S60. That doesn’t matter, as Volvo’s premier sedan is aimed at those that enjoy comfort, luxury and the latest safety features, but aren’t out to impress friends and neighbors.